Eyelid surgery

First impressions are largely determined by eyelids. Overhanging eyelids and bags under the eyes often give an impression of tiredness. Eyelid surgery is intended to remove the excess of skin and also fatty tissue. The fatty tissue acts as a pad around the eyeball and is normally held in place by a connective membrane.
When there is an excess of fatty tissue, normally inherited, or in the case of an undeveloped membrane, the adipose tissue bulges and causes bags under the eyes. Swelling is then sometimes visible to the median area at the level of the upper eyelid.

Lower blepharoplasty

The purpose of this treatment is to remove the fatty tissue mentioned above by means of an incision just below the eyelashes. This incision also allows the removal of some skin to avoid an "empty pocket phenomenon" after the procedure. With this incision, the sphincter around the eye can also be stretched to tighten the lower eyelid with a barely visible scar. Sometimes it is better not to remove the fatty tissue in order to avoid creating a "hollow eye" syndrome, it is then removed from the hollow between the eye and nose. This technique is called a HAMRA procedure. The fatty tissue can also be removed through a small incision with rapid healing but the result is only visible after 6 weeks. It can also be removed from the inside of the lower eyelid. The transconjunctival technique leaves no visible scar but obviously no excess skin or muscle can be removed or re-tensioned. This technique is therefore recommended if there is only an excess of fatty tissue.

Upper blepharoplasty

This intervention mainly removes excess skin from the upper eyelids. Fatty tissue in the inner corner of the eye near the nose can also be removed if it is necessary. A blepharoplasty performed correctly means more than "just removing a strip of skin." The surgeon draws and measures the exact amount of skin to be removed to achieve an optimal effect so that the eyes can still close properly. Skill and experience are particularly important here. Muscle can also be removed during the same procedure to make the eyelids become lighter and appear thinner. Blepharoplasty can also be performed in combination with a laser treatment. If the patient desires only the removal of small wrinkles around the eye, a laser treatment will give better results than surgery.

In Practice:

Pain: A blepharoplasty is not usually painful. On the first day there might be a burning sensation on the eyelid.Convalescence: Recovery time is primarily determined by the bruising around the eyelids. The lesser the bruising, the faster the healing. Swelling and bruising may be limited by ceasing anticoagulants (alcohol consumed within 7 days before surgery also acts as an anticoagulant). To prevent too much swelling, it is recommended to sleep in a semi-sitting position and to wear sunglasses. Sutures remain in place for a week and make-up can be used to hide the bruises after 7 days.Risks: For an upper blepharoplasty, a tightening sensation can be felt on the scar, but it is perfectly manageable. For lower eyelids, swelling and an inability to close the eyelid may occur. These are temporary phenomena that can be remedied with a massage or lymphatic drainage. Medication is rarely necessary. The eye may become dry but drops and ointment can be used.Post-operative care: Artificial tears against dryness of the eye and sunglasses will be prescribed against swelling. You will not be able to lean forward or to do heavy work in the early days. The scar can be massaged with cream for a few weeks.